For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
